Devdutt Padikkal, 26, and Manav Suthar, 24, were the prime architects of this demographic bonus rippling with vitality. The charge of the young brigade helped India defeat Sri Lanka in the first Test.
Playing his third Test, Padikkal was expected to be both adhesive and aggressor at No. Viswanath and Rahul Dravid. With R. Ashwin having retired and Jadeja in his twilight phase, Suthar is perhaps the man to carry forward the great Indian spin tradition. For both Padikkal and Suthar, a tougher scrutiny would be the home Tests against the visiting Australians next year. But for now, there is the second Test at Colombo to deal with.
3, besides living up to the legacy of the Karnataka school of batsmanship with its patrons being G.R. His 167 in the first innings ensured that India never had to look back in this match. Padikkal also registered a 44 in the second innings, vital runs when India hustled for a bigger lead.
Southpaw Padikkal found a berth due to an injury side-lining Sai Sudharsan, but he grabbed his chance on a slow pitch while the weather remained hot and sultry despite the odd shower.